Senior Project Developer

Responsible for leading the full Project Development lifecycle of utility-scale Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, ensuring strategic alignment, financial viability, and regulatory compliance from concept to Financial Close.

The Senior Project Developer will report directly to the Head of Project Development.

• Responsible for Project Development of Utility scale solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.
• Establish and coordinate the cross-functional Project Development team.
• Lead routine and ad hoc project team meetings, facilitating collaboration, collective problem solving and task management.
• Lead and be responsible for Due Diligence studies.
• Identify and assess project risks, implementing mitigation strategies and maintaining risk registers.
• Management of the relationship between SAE and external developers.
• Identify potential sites for development projects and conduct feasibility studies to assess suitability. Support business development by identifying partnerships and opportunities for project acquisitions, joint ventures, or portfolio expansion.
• Provision of leadership and mentoring to the Project Development Team.

• Oversee project development, from inception to Financial Close.
• Initial planning and scheduling of the Project Development lifecycle.
• Preparation of progress reports, including financial updates, permitting status, and schedule tracking.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, contracts, permits, and compliance records.
• Ensure compliance with internal reporting requirements and external regulatory obligations.
• Formally hand over to Project Lead for construction at conclusion of Financial Close.
• Lead Due Diligence (DD) assignments of projects developed by other developers and present the DD findings to SAE management
• Oversee the appointment and management of external design consultants required for the development of Eskom Cost Estimate Letters and Budget Quotations.

• Develop and manage project development budgets, including cost estimates, financial models, and funding strategies.
• Compile project approval documentation as required by the development process.
• Collaborate with finance and investment teams to optimize project financial structures.
• Identify and manage all project development risks, including a formal risk register, mitigation activities, and escalations.

• Navigate regulatory requirements and obtain necessary permits for project advancement.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with environmental impact assessments, land use permits, and zoning regulations.
• Develop strategies to streamline the permitting process and mitigate delays.
• Stay informed on market trends, policy developments, and emerging technologies to inform project strategies.

• Manage relationships with landowners, investors, contractors, regulators, and local communities.
• Liaise with internal and external specialists including Compliance, Legal, Environmental, and Finance.
• Maintain open communication channels with stakeholders throughout the project development lifecycle, addressing concerns and resolving conflicts.
• Negotiate and secure land leases or purchase agreements with landowners and stakeholders, considering solar resource availability, land use regulations, and environmental factors.
• Contribute to the Project Development Team’s continuous improvement efforts and perform any other job duties associated with this role.

• Bachelor’s in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (such as environmental, geography, finance or urban/town planning); a master's is a plus.
• 10+ years’ experience of project management, project team leadership, and stakeholder management.
• 5+ years of working experience in renewable energy project development, focusing on utility-scale projects.
• Skilled in project management with either a PMP or a SACMPMP.
• Exposure to IPP models, project finance, deal negotiation and closure, project bids and…